The Problem

The program is located in Kenya’s Kawangware Slum, where extreme poverty makes daily survival a challenge. The situation is worsened by the fact that government social services, medical care, and other essential amenities are almost non-existent. 

Due to limited access to healthcare, complications during childbirth often lead to children developing cerebral palsy (CP). These children face additional hardships in Kenya, where there is widespread ignorance about disabilities. The education system further complicates things—only children with mild symptoms are typically integrated into schools, while those with moderate to severe symptoms are left out. Many parents want to provide proper care but can’t afford it, often leaving their child at home while they go out to work.

The Program

The Joyful Hearts Centre (JHC) offers community-based rehabilitation for 12 children with CP. A team of dedicated professionals—including a special education teacher, occupational therapist, social worker, and volunteers—work together to create individualized therapy plans for each child.

JHC provides essential services such as physiotherapy, feeding, hygiene care, social interaction, and developmental support. The goal is to prepare the children for integration into mainstream schools, helping create better educational opportunities and a more inclusive society where children with CP can thrive.

JHC shares space with the Real Hope program on the Bella Ciao Compound.